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John Glascock
John Glascock

Glascock proposes spending cuts, layoffs in Columbia budget address

Columbia’s city manager proposes millions of dollars in spending cuts and dozens of layoffs in his plan to balance the budget in an economy damaged by a pandemic.

John Glascock said Friday it is not clear how much tax revenue will come in as more people shop online and do not visit hotels and other local businesses.

“I see Fiscal Year 2021 as a year of uncertainty. Uncertainty of our revenue in general, our business climate picture, the way we educate, and the health of our community overall.”

Because of that, Glascock is proposing a $13.9 million total reduction in expenditures in the 2021 fiscal year, and the elimination of 78.5 positions. Many of those jobs are open, but 11 are currently filled.

“This was not an easy decision. It is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make,” Glascock said. “I appreciate the work done by the employees that hold the positions being eliminated.”

The budget proposal does not include any raises for city staff, but Glascock says he would re-evaluate that in the middle of the 2021 fiscal year.

Glascock also calls for the permanent end to curbside recycling pickup, as the city deals with severe staff shortages. The city would plan to make more drop-off sites available, and empty them daily. Residents would also have to get their own trash bags.

Glascock’s proposed budget does include about $620,000 for a new program where police officers and mental health and social workers from the health department team up to respond to certain calls.

“I cannot agree with the call to defund the police. What we need to do is increase the funding for public health and human services to remove the need for the police to be involved with residents that need health services.”

The Columbia City Council holds an all-day work session on the budget on Aug. 13. They will hold three public hearings before approving the spending plan. It takes effect Oct. 1.

(This story was last updated at 11:12 a.m. Friday.)

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